CONTINUING ITS programme to respond to the needs of the customers and improve service, Kingston Wharves Limited, has set itself the goal of a one-hour-turnaround time for trucks collecting containers on the port.
Alister Cooke, General Manager at KWL, made the announcement at a recent meeting with some of the company's major customers and other members of the shipping industry, including Customs, Port Trailers' Haulage Association, and Security Administrators Limited (SAL).
The meeting is part of a series held bi-annually to update customers on new developments and to allow them an opportunity to voice concerns and offer recommendations for improvements in service.
Outlining improvements that have already been implemented under the company's upgrading programme, Mr. Cooke mentioned remedial repairs to Berths Eight and Nine as well as the completion of resurfacing work at Berths One and Two, finished with new interlocking cement blocks.
He also noted that the security system has been strengthened with the installation of six additional close circuit television camera and new lighting towers. Safety measures were also boosted with the introduction of a state-of-the-art fire detection system, to identify overheating in any area.
Customers requiring cold storage facilities for cargo in reefer containers will benefit from additional reefer outlets, which will bring the total numbers to 162 outlets, he pointed out.
The company's redevelopment has also facilitated the storage of motor units closer to the wharf on Third Street. Consequently, there will be no need to move them to Newport East for storage as was previously done.
Mr. Cooke noted that the upgrading programme, which represents capital investment of J$250 million, is the biggest investment by the company since its move to the Newport West 25 years ago.
Most of the customers expressed satisfaction with the quality of service provided at Kingston Wharves. It was observed that while there was significant improvement in customer service during the year, improvement was still required in some areas.
Customer service manager, Angela Jackson, thanked the customers for their continued support. She said 73 per cent of all consolidated containers coming into Kingston were stripped on the wharves in 2000. This represents an increase of approximately 11 per cent on 1999.
